Elisabeth Nhan Thuanh Schur
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Elisabeth Nhan Thuanh Schur, Lee’s Summit, Missouri passed away June 14, 2017. A visitation will be held 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Tuesday, June 19, 2017 at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, Missouri. Memorial services will follow at 2:00 PM.
Elisabeth Nhan Thuanh Schur was born in South Vietnam on 11/10/73 and passed away on 6/14/17 in KCMO. At birth she was dropped off at An Lac orphanage in Saigon and spent the first 18 months of her life there. She was adopted by her Mother Anne Williams and arrived in the USA in late April 1975 getting out of South Vietnam just before it fell to the communists.
Elisabeth was very nervous about her new home at first and cried a lot. Anne and Elisabeth’s sister, Susan, made a good home for Elisabeth. Eventually Elisabeth got used to everything and became a happy kid. She went to school K-12 in USD 500 in Kansas City, KS. She would eventually be valedictorian of the class of 1992 at F.L. Schlagle High School. While attending Schlagle, Elisabeth met two people that would be life-long friends, her English Teacher, Sharon Showalter and fellow student Jarius Jones.
When Elisabeth first started to college she attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. She wanted to work for N.A.S.A. After a year there though, she missed her family and friends. She moved back home and decided to become a teacher. From that point on, she poured her heart and soul into teaching.
Elisabeth then chose to attend Emporia State University in Emporia, KS. After she started at ESU, Elisabeth met another life-long friend, Jennifer Crane . Elisabeth also met the love of her life, and most definitely the love of his, Joe. They had a class together and eventually went on their first date to see the movie, Forrest Gump. After Joe’s graduation in May of 1996, they wed on 6/1/96 and moved to Kansas City. Elisabeth finished her student teaching at Whittier Elementary in KCK and graduated in December 1996.
In her short life, Elisabeth had quite a varied and distinguished teaching career. She taught in the regular elementary classroom, K-5 music, K-5 art, high school math, and special education at both the elementary and secondary level. She worked in USD 500, St. Regis catholic school in KCMO, and in the Raytown school district. Her final teaching job was at her alma mater, F.L. Schlage High School. She felt empowered to not only give back, but to be a strong advocate for the students on her special education caseload and in her math classes. The only thing that Elisabeth was qualified for but didn’t get a chance to teach was technology. She graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University with a Master’s degree in Educational Technology in 2005.
The greatest teaching job that Elisabeth accomplished was with her own children, Caleb and Anamaria. She took 6 years off from the work world to make sure her kids got the best possible start in life. She was able to let them play and be creative while also teaching them at the same time. Elisabeth helped out at Westview Elementary when the kids were in attendance there whenever she was needed. As the kids progressed in school and got more active in sports and activities, Elisabeth and Joe really enjoyed attending them and talking/joking with each other.
Always a very detail oriented person, Elisabeth was perfect for the rules and regulations of writing and administering IEP’s. She had a system for just about everything. She would develop a menu for Thanksgiving and then add/adjust/tweak the menu and cooking times from year to year. The meals always turned out perfect. She was always a good cook and hostess.
Elisabeth’s hobbies included music, not only listening to it and attending concerts, but singing as well. She sang for many years as an adult and had a vocal coach for the last 7-8 years. Several times a year, she would have a vocal recital to display all her work. She could play the piano well and also was starting to write her own music. Her interest in music ranged from Italian opera to vintage Reba McEntire. Elisabeth also liked to paint and was very good at crafts. She made several Halloween costumes for the kids. She would often buy clothes and then modify or adjust them to her needs.
Elisabeth valued the quality of her friendships much more than the quantity. She truly valued her friends and would do just about anything for them. She had a tender heart but could also stand her ground when necessary. She was smart, funny, beautiful on the outside and inside, and humble.
Elisabeth felt so blessed to have been adopted by Anne and to get to live in the greatest country in the world. Even though her life was short, she packed many accomplishments and success stories into it. She would encourage you, “to make the best of bad situations” and to keep learning as you go through life.
Left to mourn the loss of Elisabeth are her Husband Joe, Son Caleb, and Daughter Anamaria, all of the home in Lee’s Summit. Her Mother Anne (KCK), Sister Susan (Topeka), Nephew Lawrence (KCMO), Aunt Lee (Des Moines) and Uncle Butch (Texas), along with numerous cousins, friends, and family.
The world has truly lost an amazing person. I’ve known you since Welborn Elementary, where your mom was the school nurse. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with you at various points of your life journey. When I arrived to teach 2nd/3rd grade at Whittier Elementary, you made me feel very welcomed. You were there to help me get through my first year of teaching and you made it seem so easy. You have definitely left a valuable legacy with me and in the lives of those who have been lucky enough to spend time with you.
I will miss you my friend,
-Cicily Collins- Rights
My heart filled prayers are with Elizabeth’s? family, her husband and her children. May God continue to strengthen the family in their time of need.
We just meet her at the start of the 2016-17 school year, my daughter’s Freshman year at Schlagle. She was definitely an advocate and believed in my daughter more than I knew a teacher could. My daughter made Honor Roll her entire first year and I know part is that success was due to Mrs. Schur. We’ll miss you more than you know. We are praying for your family as they have suffered a greater loss than we have.
God bless…. The Thomas Family (Essence – Student)
To one of the brightest teachers I have known! May God keep you!
Elisabeth was and still is one of the smartest and funniest women I have ever met. Your daily stops by my office to chit chat about Caleb and Anamaria will sorely be missed! God definitely got the best this time! RIH sis!
So very shocked and saddened by this loss. Words cannot express how sorry I am for you all. Please know I will continue to lift you up in prayer for peace and comfort. If you need anything please let me know.
Joe and family; I am so sorry for the loss of your dear wife. I pray for peace and comfort for all of you.
Joe and family we are so sorry for your loss. You have been in our prayers, our thoughts are with you all.
I pray that God brings your family, friends, and students comfort during this time, and brings His peace over all of them. I will never forget your smile, or how we both would interrupt each other’s classes to chat and laugh. I will miss your daily phone calls to just chat. You were a shooting star everywhere you went. No matter where you were, people would stop in awe at your amazing talents and contagious smile. The light you brought to your students was amazing. Your desire for the incoming freshman class to be successful will go unmatched. The halls will never be the same without you there, but your spirit and your passion will always remain.
Elisabeth will be missed by many. She had a smile that could light up a room. My prayers go up for her family and for their loss. Heaven has gained another angel.
Joe, Caleb, and Ana,
My heart breaks for you. I’m so very sorry for your loss. You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Linda Williams
To Susan and Mrs Anne Williams — I am deeply sorry for your loss. I wish I had better words to say during this difficult time. Your family is in my prayers.
Anne, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mrs Schur ,a very sweet ,kind,sophisticated ,caring , person !!I can keep on and on all day about Mrs Schur !!She touched a lot of our kids lives ,she cared so much for them and she also took time out to come chat with some of us that are her coworkers ,not one day went pass that I wouldn’t see her smile and she would come and speak to everyone ,you could be having a bad day and here she comes with that smile on her face !I thanked her for taking time out with my son to make sure he was doing what he was suppose to do everyday ,because she told me we are going to make sure he stay on task and graduate ,on graduation night she gave me the biggest hug and said he did it and we made it happen ,we stuck by his side !!I will miss you !!
Whether a close friend or mere acquaintance, Elisabeth always had a welcoming smile and kind word. My thoughts and prayers to her family and closest friends.
If you don’t believe in miracles, re-read the obituary and focus in on how life began for my special friend Elisabeth. Despite her humble beginnings, she became a sophisticated lady, a brilliant educator, and a compassionate soul. More importantly, Elisabeth was an amazing wife and mother. Although we spent the early years of our near three decades of friendship greeting one another with insults, the concern we had for each other’s well-being and happiness was undenied. Never would I have ever imagined that she would transition before me. However, my faith in God gives me peace in knowing that He makes no mistakes and Elisabeth was taken first for a reason. I will miss hearing my friend refer to me as, “You big dork” for the rest of my life. It signaled to me that I said or did something that made you laugh or made you question why you signed up to be my friend. Nevertheless, I will always love my sweet friend Elisabeth and as I promised, the Schurs and the Joneses will forever be bonded together. Our mother Mrs. Showalter, Kim and I will see to it that we represent Elisabeth at every milestone we are afforded to attend of Caleb and Ana. To my brother Joe, thank you for demonstrating to me, what it looks like “…to love and to cherish in sickness and in health…” by rarely leaving Elisabeth’s side throughout her short illness. Lastly, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Anne Williams for paving the way for Elisabeth to access and to enjoy her slice of American Pie. For now, I offer a sweet goodnight to Betsy/Elisabeth and I look forward to our next greeting on the other side.
Love always,
Dork Chocolate ?????
Elisabeth “Betsy” you will be forever one of the Honorary Jones sibling!! You always had a positive attitude and knew how to handle Jarius!! Your passion for your family and education are unmeasurable. Schur family we will forever support you all. May God comfort you with her amazing memories!! Rest Well Love!!
Mrs.schur was my favorite case manager she always had a wonderful smile she helped at rough times she always stayed on me about my grades my parents loved mrs.schur she was the best she was my bestfriend and she will be missed and remembered always prayers to the family keep your head up guys
Mrs. Schur, was the most high spirited people that I knew at Schlagle, every time I’d be in a bad mood I’d see her and her smile would make me happy inside. She was always so nice and quick to help some one. She even tried to help me , one day when I was in Wednesday detention she saw me having some trouble and offered help, but I turned her down. And I still cannot believe she’s really gone.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for the Schur family.
Joe, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children during this very difficult time.
Its sad to hear that your gone so soon. We had great memories together…you were always there when i needed to talk.. One thing i loved about you is that u always had that smile on ur face. You almost can never tell if ur upset. When i heard u were gona i couldent believe it… And i still can believe it.. Ig God felt he needed you up there with him… But ur in a better place now… You will be truly missed
She was the best I will miss see her around and hearing her voice it is so sad
I’m not real familiar to Mrs. Schur but one thing I can say is during my time attending Schlagle whenever I saw Mrs. Schur there was a big beautiful bright smile on her face… Too me that’s tells a lot about a person. This wonderful teacher worked with my little brother during school keeping him on the right path to success & I really can’t thank her enough for all the hard work and time she spent doing so. I honestly can say you will truly be missed & F. L Schlagle High school will not be the same without you… I’m praying for your family and friends that God watch over everyone and continue to bless these wonderful souls…
Rest In Heaven Mrs. Schur ???
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege to know Elisabeth from work at Robinson Elementary in Raytown. She was a kind, sweet lady and of course yes she stood her ground which was one of reasons I loved who she was. When she told us that she was moving on and was not returning the following school year iwe were sad to see her go. Love to you Elisabeth you will be missed and in my heart forever.
Elisabeth was a beautiful spirit in the world, both inside and out. Elisabeth’s calm, persona impressed me every time we spoke at a meeting or about the students she cared about so deeply. Words can never be adequate with a loss like this.
My condolences to your family. Praying that the Lord will give you strength during this difficult time.
Praying for the family she’s going to be truly missed
Mrs Schur, you were certainly a bright star at F.L. Schlagle HS, and will be greatly missed. My daughter’s freshman year was scary and new (she was home schooled for several years prior.) and she was uncertain. But you helped her to find her voice in your Socratic class, and later she grew to love being a Socratic leader, especially when she was leading one of your class. In reading what others have written about you, we are even more saddened by this great loss of you. What an amazing woman you were! Thank you for your dedication to your students and your family. Praying for your family and those that knew and loved you.
The Armitage Family (daughter Michelle, student at FL Schlagle)
I Miss Ms schur so much because she was my favorite she made sure I got work done and everything so I could she did everything she could to help me out pass? but I miss you ms schur I really adore you being here like you was my favorite teacherat fl schlage but I truly miss you.?
I only had the distinct privilege of knowing and working with Elisabeth for a brief two years, but in those two years, it was clear to me the impact that Elisabeth had on the lives of those she worked with each day. I will remember Elisabeth’s warm smile and gentle laugh as she greeted students at the door each day on the way into her class. I will remember the way she interacted with her friends and colleagues, sharing kind words and support. I will remember her consummate professionalism and the way she tirelessly advocated for her students and their families. It is impossible to know how far Elisabeth’s influence has reached, but it is easy to see how much she will be missed by those who love her most. I know that it is a deep loss to our Schlagle family, and I offer my most sincere and deepest sympathies to her family and her closest friends. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work beside her, and I know that we all are better for having known Elisabeth.
Such a blessing to know such a beautiful young lady. So proud to call her my most distinguished classmate. She will forever be in my memories. I can vision her awesome smile and her gentle laughter. Gone…..but present in our hearts. My class of 1992 Stallionaire.
I never was given the opportunity to have Mrs Schur as a preceptor , but soaking in all the postive energy “comments” that were regrading Mrs Schur , I truly can say Mrs Schur was a amazing person to have as a preceptor ,friend , wife , mother , daughter . I’m so sorry for the loss of Mrs Schur Family & Friends , Please hold your head high and know she still beside you every step you make !!????
I was so privileged to have had Betsy as a student who became a lifelong friend. Her beautiful smile could turn a rough day into a better one. She was always rolling her eyes at my bad jokes. Her laugh was very infectious. I always told her that if I could have a roomful of students like her, I would never retire. It is still so hard for me to believe she is gone. Everyone who knew her was so blessed, and now Heaven is blessed to have this special Angel. My prayers for her to get well are now prayers for comfort for her husband and children. Rest In Peace my sweet friend.
So sorry to hear this. Elisabeth was a library volunteer at Westview Elementary when Caleb and Anamaria attended. She was a joy to watch with the students, and a pleasure to know. I always looked forward to seeing her on her volunteer days. Thoughts and prayers are with her family, a wonderful lady.
Oh my so sorry to hear this news our prayers go out to the family can’t believe that last two years that she was my daughter teacher this so unbelievable I never put the name with the face I wish that we would had a chance to really really got to know more of each other we connected cuz I remember her beautiful smile and her love for people in the music that she had and want to share with everybody that she met in school I thank her for being my daughter’s teacher and I wish that we who had chance to reconnect it more this year rest well in heaven.
With sympathy
Telicia Lee and daughter Delicia Johnson
I never really met Mrs.Schur. I would see her walking in the Schlagle halls and would always say good morning with a big smile. She seemed like a really bright and happy person. God does everything for a reason. She is in a safe and better place now. Rest in peace Mrs.Schur? Your good mornings will never be forgotten
Words cannot express how saddened I was to hear that such a bright shining star had left so soon. So many have expressed similar sentiments and it is because “Betsy” was one and the same to all over the decades. She continued to be a dear friend after we graduated from Emporia State together. I pray that Joe, Ana Maria, and Caleb are surrounded with the comfort that her light will continue to shine in Heaven. I hope that the love and support from your family and friends, including me, gets you through this time. You’re in my prayers. Betsy will forever be remembered as a great friend, school partner, and shining light. I will never forget her.
Forever in my heart,
Norma Acevedo Pando
Elisabeth,
You are still missed at Schlagle. Your impact is still with us within our colleagues and students. I am proud to have called you a friend and coworker. I am still praying for your family and friends to continue healing, but you will always be remembered. May you help watch over us and support us within the heavens.
<3 Sara
I love and miss you, Friend…